Functional Disorders Presenting to the Stroke Service

G. Nielsen*, M. J. Edwards, J. Stone

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract / Description of output

Functional disorders are one of the commonest stroke mimics both in acute stroke settings and in transient ischemic attack clinics. Functional stroke mimics often have an onset with panic, dissociation, or a physiological trigger such as migraine or a physical injury to the limb. The diagnosis should be made on the basis of positive signs of internal inconsistency on the examination such as Hoover's sign or the hip abductor sign, which can usefully be shared with patients. Careful and transparent explanation, backed up with written material followed on by specific physiotherapy designed for functional disorders is now an evidence-based first-line treatment. Psychological assessment and treatment is also important in many patients but may not be essential or can be delayed until physical recovery has commenced.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPrimer on Cerebrovascular Diseases
Subtitle of host publicationSecond Edition
PublisherElsevier
Pages623-630
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9780128030585
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Mar 2017

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Conversion disorder
  • Functional neurological
  • Nonorganic
  • Psychogenic
  • Stroke mimic
  • Weakness

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